Navigating Your Life Post-Breakup

Relationships contribute an important part to our overall well-being and social life, no matter how short or long they last. Anyone who has experienced an end to a relationship can relate to how breakups sucks, and can leave us with an empty pit in our stomach, no matter if things ended on good or bad terms with your partner. Navigating and picking yourself right back up is one of the greatest challenges to face post-breakup. Just know that you are not alone in this, and be sure to keep these tips in mind whenever you feel an ounce of discouragement.

Feel out ALL your feelings

The first two weeks post-breakup is when all the feelings hit: deep sadness, confusion, stress, the list simply goes on. Be authentic with how you are feeling and do not hide how you feel, and let all your tears out! Remember that every day may feel different for you. Some days you may feel that you are on top of the world, and that you’re working to be the best version of yourself. However, there are also days where the memories of the relationship hit you, and you feel that there is no way of getting out of the rut. All of these feelings are 100% NORMAL. Don’t beat yourself up for how you truly feel. 

Talk/Write it out

With all your feelings that you’ve collected, be sure to talk about how you truly feel with the people you trust. It could be anywhere from your close circle of friends, your roommate(s), siblings, parents, or even your pet! The act of letting all your emotions out is an uplifting feeling in itself. You may also be able to gain new insight and your perspectives may shift when talking it out with people you trust the most.

Having your thoughts and feelings written down is another way to let your emotions out. Using a physical notepad, journal, or even simply opening your Notes app on your phone are ways to let those thoughts run loose. Write your emotions down as much as you want and what works best with you, whether it is daily or weekly updates! Having your thoughts written down allows you to look back and see the progression you’ve made through your breakup, and having those “check-ins” to channel how you truly feel in that moment. 

Self-care is your PRIORITY!

You’ve probably heard one of the biggest post-breakup advice is to “focus on yourself” or to “work on yourself.” As cheesy as that sounds, the advice in itself is not wrong. But the question to be asked is where does that start, and how do I work and focus on myself? The answer to this is where you divert your energy into, instead of allowing the breakup to consume your whole day. The best way to do this is through self-care. Practicing self-care can look different for everyone. Some methods can work for some people, while some methods can not work for others.

It is important to allow yourself to find what works best for you. Finding a new hobby and activity to do on your own or with friends, discovering new music to listen to, saving posts on Pinterest for inspiration, and moving your body to promote physical activity are some ways that can promote self-care. Be sure to also allow yourself to eat enough food and drink enough water throughout the day, as you may experience a low appetite, or lack of hunger when feeling your emotions. Taking care of your well-being can truly transform your post-breakup journey, allowing your energy to be used in beneficial ways that you couldn’t imagine yourself doing before!

Social Media is a Highlight Reel

After a breakup, you might be comparing yourself to the couples you see on Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat that seem to live this “happy” and “perfect” life. We have to understand that in this day in age, social media is this “highlight reel” and people only post the good times and fun memories they have together. You never truly know what happens behind a photo or a video, as the couple you see may be going through a rough patch in the relationship, going through a big fight, or just not getting along with each other anymore. Social media can also weaken our priority to practice self-care for ourselves. Ensure that you are mindful with your presence on social media and what you look at, as it can truly make or break your post-breakup journey. 

You are not alone!

Dealing with breakups is one of the hardest challenges to go through and process. From talking and texting each other everyday, the dates and unforgettable memories, and sharing whatever that’s on your mind with each other being taken away is not an easy adjustment. Know that you are not alone, and that you are in full control with your feelings and how you truly feel. Everyday looks different, and there will be highs and lows throughout the healing process, and do not put a time stamp on when to get over the breakup. Really make sure you channel in and process your emotions fully, surround yourself with the people that you trust, and develop habits that promote your well-being and that protect your peace. 

You got this and I trust that you will see the light at the end of the tunnel! 

Written by GUADS intern Kristen